Truth 101 Class

  Deuteronomy 15:1-11 instruct Israel to cancel debts every seven years. This Sabbatical year proclaims the LORD's release and blessings. Obedience to the LORD would enable Israel to care for their poor and avoid dependence on other nations. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-6 Israel was instructed to cancel financial debts, and our debts due to sin have been cancelled through Christ's work on the cross. What does this reveal to me about our LORD? Verses 7-11 Jesus also said the poor will always be among us ( Matthew 26:11; Mark 14:7; John 12:8 ). What do verses 7-11 teach us about having a heart of compassion toward the poor?

  Deuteronomy 14:22-29 provide instructions on tithing, similar to Leviticus 27:30-33 or Numbers 18:21-29. This passage connects tithing to fearing the LORD, rejoicing, and blessing others. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 22-23 What does tithing teach me about worship or fearing the LORD? Verses 24-27 Verse 26 encourages rejoicing, and 2 Corinthians 9:7 says God loves a cheerful giver. How can I be joyful in giving? Verses 28-29 In what ways am I using the blessings God has given me to help and care for others in need?

  Deuteronomy 14:1-21 distinguishes between clean and unclean animals, similar to Leviticus 11. God's people are to live in holiness, set apart and different from pagan nations both in diet and practice. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-2 How should knowing that I am also adopted, set apart, chosen, and treasured by God impact the way I live? Verses 3-21 How do Peter's experiences in Acts 10-11 deepen my understanding of God's laws about clean and unclean? (Ex: "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean" (Acts 10:15b) or "God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean" (Acts 10:28b))

  Deuteronomy 13 warns against being led astray to follow other gods by false prophets or leaders (vv. 1-5), close relations like family and friends (vv. 6-11), or the surrounding society (vv. 12-18). Several themes are also repeated: Warnings not to go after gods we have not KNOWN (vv. 2, 6, 13) Exhortations to love God, walk in His ways, fear God, keep His commandments, obey Him, serve Him, and hold fast to Him (vv. 13:3-4; 10:12-13, 20) Commands to purge evil from our midst (vv.13:5, 17:7, 19:19, 21:21, 22:21, 24:7, and 1 Cor 5:13) Emphasis on doing what is right in the sight of the LORD rather than what is right in our own eyes (vv. 13:18, 12:8,25,28)  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-5 How can we guard against being led astray by false prophets? Verses 6-11 Why is the punishment so severe for leading others astray, even for close relatives and friends? Verses 12-18 How can I stand firm in my faith when ...

  Deuteronomy 12:15-32 continue detailing God's instructions regarding worship. These verses distinguish between offerings to be made at the place the LORD chooses versus animals intended for food within the towns. This passage highlights the sanctity of blood and closes with warnings against serving pagan gods. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 15-28 How do the instructions regarding blood (vv. 16, 23-25, 27) connect to what Christ accomplished on the cross?  [NOTE:  Leviticus 17:11 says "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."] What do the instructions regarding the Levite (vv. 18-19 and 12) indicate about my part in God's ministry? How do these verses show that God's desire is for all to "go well with you" (vv. 25 & 28) ? Verses 29-32 What warning do...

  Deuteronomy 12:1-14 begin detailing God's statutes and rules for His people, giving instructions regarding worship. Chapters 12-16 primarily focus on God, similar to the first four commandments, while chapters 17-26 focus more on others, similar to the last six commandments. Thus, this passage relates to the first four commandments (see Exodus 20:3-8 or Deuteronomy 5:7-12): You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 In these verses, Israel is instructed to destroy the pagan places of worship and to avoid worshipping God in the way the Canaanites worshipped their idols. What worldly influences might hinder our ...